The other most common types of car problems are dead batteries and frozen door handles, they said.

Mechanic Gavanny Naranjo said the deep freeze encases a handle in ice, and instead of putting hot water or oil on it, some car owners “keep playing with it until they force it and they break it.”

While Tri-State area residents may be out of the woods with this week’s deep freeze, it was a wake-up call for the rest of winter: Get your car service, keep trunks stocked with blankets and warm clothing and remember that a fully charged cellphone can be a lifesaver if you’re stranded during the next cold snap.